Chris Ivory trade would be great for New Orleans Saints - if they get the right value

New Orleans Times-Picayune | Apr 15

Obviously it would make a lot of sense for the New Orleans Saints to trade tailback Chris Ivory since they're so overloaded at the position. But there's also a reason why they haven't traded any of their top four tailbacks up to this point - it's hard to get good value for tailbacks in the NFL.

The New York Jets are reportedly interested in signing Ivory as a restricted free agent, but they likely won't want to part with the second-round draft pick that would be required. Instead, if they decide they want Ivory, they will likely try to work out a deal with the Saints for a lower pick.

So where's the cut-off point? I'd say somewhere around the fifth round.

Ivory's value is hard to judge for a number of reasons. He's shown incredible talent in glimpses, but he's also had trouble staying on the field because of various injuries. And even when healthy, he's essentially the Saints' No. 4 tailback behind Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram. So he doesn't get many touches.

Also, the Saints could save about $1.5 million in cash and salary-cap space by trading Ivory for a rookie. Ivory is scheduled to make $2.023 million this year if he signs his restricted-free-agent tender. Then next year, he'll be an unrestricted free agent.

So if the Saints could swap Ivory for a second-, third- or fourth-rounder, I think it makes great sense. Or perhaps a "trade up" scenario. Say, Ivory and their third-round pick for the Jets' second-round pick. Once we get into a fifth-round pick or lower, it becomes less enticing.

But will the Jets be willing to pay that much? Although they would likely have a more prominent role for Ivory in their shallower backfield, NFL teams generally undervalue tailbacks. The Jets might feel like they can find a tailback with just as much potential in the fourth or fifth round, at a cheaper price.